Ep 6. Miami, Florida

Street Food: USA takes viewers on a mouth-watering journey through the United States, exploring the country's vibrant street food scene and the talented people behind the delicious dishes. Season 1 episode 6 takes us to Miami, Florida, where the city's diverse population and tropical climate have contributed to a unique and vibrant street food culture.

The episode begins with a visit to Little Havana, a neighborhood known for its Cuban influences. Here we meet Jose Luis Pla, owner of the famous El Rey de las Fritas food truck, which specializes in fritas, a Cuban-style burger made with spiced ground beef and topped with crispy shoestring potatoes and a secret sauce. Jose shares the history behind the dish and the importance of his food truck in preserving Cuban culture in Miami. We also get a glimpse into the hard work and long hours that go into running a successful food truck.

Next, we head to the Wynwood neighborhood, which is home to many art galleries and colorful murals. Here we meet Chef Niven Patel, owner of the Ghee Indian Kitchen food truck, which serves modern Indian cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients. Niven takes us through his cooking process as he prepares dishes such as crab masala and butter chicken, showcasing his passion for bridging the gap between traditional Indian flavors and American palates.

We then visit South Beach, where we meet renowned chef Michael Schwartz, owner of the Michael's Genuine Food & Drink restaurant and the Harry's Pizzeria chain. Michael takes us on a tour of his kitchen and shares his philosophy of sourcing high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients and letting them shine in his dishes. We also get a taste of his famous wood-fired pizzas, which are topped with flavorful and unexpected ingredients such as fig and bacon jam or rock shrimp.

The episode then takes us to the colorful and eclectic neighborhood of Little Haiti, where we meet Chef Creole, owner of several food trucks and restaurants that serve his unique blend of Creole and Haitian cuisine. Chef Creole shares the importance of using fresh ingredients and spices in his cooking, and how his food has become a representation of the vibrant Haitian culture in Miami. We also get to try his famous Haitian-style fried turkey, which is cooked to perfection and served with spicy pikliz sauce.

Finally, we visit the Miami Beach Boardwalk, where we meet Yannis and Lauren of Mr. Bing, a food truck that serves traditional shaved ice from their native Taiwan, topped with fresh fruits and other ingredients. Yannis shares the history and cultural significance of Taiwanese shaved ice, and how he and Lauren have adapted it to the American market. We also get to see their small-scale operation in action, as they quickly and creatively assemble each order.

Overall, Street Food: USA season 1 episode 6 offers a fascinating and delicious glimpse into the diverse and dynamic street food scene in Miami, Florida. From Cuban fritas to Indian cuisine to Haitian Creole, the episode showcases the wide range of flavors and cultures that coexist in this vibrant city. Watching the hard work and dedication of the food truck and restaurant owners is inspiring, and their passion for their craft shines through in every dish they create.